Balogun and US-Belgium match, Ronaldo bows out

The United States crashed out of the World Cup round of 16 on Monday, losing 4-1 to a dynamic Belgian team in a match marred by controversy before kickoff.

Belgium took an early lead in the 9th minute through Charles De Ketelaere, but the joint hosts equalized after half an hour of play, with Malik Tillman hammering home the plate.

But the stalemate only lasted two minutes, with De Ketelaere scoring again to restore Belgium’s lead.

The European side then registered a third goal from Hans Vanaken just before the hour mark, before Romelu Lukaku wrapped up the victory with a late goal in added time.

The match was initially overshadowed by FIFA’s decision to suspend American striker Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension, clearing the way for the team’s top scorer.

The decision attracted further attention after President Donald Trump defended his call urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino to review Balogun’s red card, fueling questions over whether political pressure played a role in the decision.

Balogun was initially sent off during the United States’ 2-0 round of 16 victory over Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA overturned the decision. Belgium contested the decision, but FIFA rejected the protest as inadmissible while UEFA criticized the decision as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable”.

Elsewhere, Cristiano Ronaldo’s hopes of winning the World Cup ended after Portugal lost 1-0 to Spain, with Mikel Merino scoring late to send his country through to the quarter-finals.

United States vs. Belgium

Charles De Ketelaere of Belgium celebrates after scoring a goal to make the score 0-1 during the round of 16 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Robbie Jay Barratt – Ama | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images

United States head coach Mauricio Pochettino kicks the ball during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium at Lumen Field (Seattle Stadium), in Seattle, Washington, United States, July 6.

Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images

United States of America forward Folarin Balogun during warmups before the World Cup Round of 16 knockout match between the United States and Belgium at Lumen Field on Monday, July 6, 2026 in Seattle, WA.

Robert Gauthier | Los Angeles Times | Getty Images

Timothy Castagne #21, Brandon Mechele #4 and Belgian players exit the tunnel before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16.

Maja Hitij – Fifa | FIFA | Getty Images

American fans hold a sign in the stands before the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Belgium.

Carl Récine | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images

Referee Raphael Claus shows Folarin Balogun #20 of the United States a red card for a foul on Tarik Muharemovic #4 of Bosnia and Herzegovina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between the United States and Bosnia and Herzegovina at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on July 1, 2026 in Santa Clara, California.

Charlotte Wilson | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images

Portugal vs Spain

Mikel Merino #6 of Spain celebrates his team’s first goal during the 2026 FIFA World Cup Round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Arlington, Texas.

Alex Slitz | Getty Images Sports | Getty Images

Cristiano Ronaldo reacts after the goal scored by Mikel Merino of Spain during the 2026 FIFA World Cup round of 16 match between Portugal and Spain at Dallas Stadium.

Europa Press Sports | Europe Press | Getty Images

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